Engineering Project for Dekalb Ave.

The City of Atlanta is planning to undertake a major reconstruction and engineering project for Dekalb Ave. Right now, the City is at the most preliminary planning stage and is seeking public input as to what shape the project should take. The first step in that process occurred Thursday evening at a community meeting convened by Renew Atlanta (the City Office that is leading the planning effort).

At this stage, the City does not have a plan. The purpose of Thursday’s meeting was for Renew Atlanta planning officials to hear from individuals regarding their preferences and priorities for Dekalb Ave. This meeting represented the beginning of the process of community engagement. For those of you who were unable to attend, you may submit your comments on the Renew Atlanta website here. The public comment period will remain open until December 8. After that, Renew Atlanta officials will conduct formal studies of the options and priorities that the found preference during the public engagement process. The closest Renew Atlanta officials came to presenting a concrete plan was the recognition that the TSPLOST measure that passed at the last election includes funding for a multi-use trail from Inman Park to Rocky Ford Rd. (where it would link with the existing PATH trail).

At the meeting on Thursday, Renew Atlanta officials asked the community to imagine an eraser that could be used to clean the slate on which Dekalb Ave. was drawn. What would we want to see in its place if money were no object? Comments focused on prioritizing among four modalities: car, bicycle, pedestrian, and transit. Among those who spoke on this issue, most emphasized bicycle over car traffic. Nonetheless, there were those who spoke up for the importance of maintaining an efficient corridor for the thousands of cars that use this route every day (or, perhaps more accurately, support was voiced for creating such a corridor). There were also many comments made expressing concern about safety. On this point, there was a broad consensus in favor of eliminating the infamous “suicide” lane.

The Beltline Project at 670-690 DeKalbby Neil Kinkopf

To this point, much of our deliberation over the proposal for this site has centered on whether the development would preserve or inhibit the potential future placement of transit along the Beltline path. I am pleased to report that our goal of preserving the possibility of keeping trail and transit together has been achieved (more on this below). The zoning aspects of the project remain and will require the neighborhood to vote at our meeting on Wednesday.

This is a lengthy post, so I have divided it into three parts. The first section describes the issues we will be voting on Wednesday. We are asked whether the proposal is sufficiently beneficial to the neighborhood that we should support the developer’s request to deviate in two ways from applicable regulations. First, the proposal would exceed the applicable height limit. Second, the density of the residential component of the development exceeds the applicable limit. The second section lays out the compromise to resolve the Beltline transit issue. The third section responds to some questions that have been raised regarding the process the IPNA board has followed.

1. The Zoning Issues

The developer asks the neighborhood’s support for its requested height variance. Our historic preservation regulations contemplate that variances up to a certain height can be granted (though they need not be). The proposal’s height is within the limit that we may (but, again, need not) permit.

Event Management Team – Free Registration code requiredGeneral Admission – $25.00 (USD)Your registration fee includes admission to the event, BBQ from Fox Brothers and beverages. A portion of this fee will also be donated to the Inman Park Neighborhood Association.REGISTER HERE

Join us at the Historic Trolley Barn in Inman Park for a special edition of "Urban Conversations" as we discuss two measures that could help shape the future of Atlanta in a significant way. A team of distinguished city leaders who will explain what two referendums that City of Atlanta residents will vote on November 8.

Another Tree Planting?

No doubt some of you are wondering why we need more trees. You see young trees along our streets, and you may remember me telling you that Inman Park is approaching 1,000 new trees since 2000.

Trust me, though. We do need more trees, especially in our yards. A recent study in Portland found that a single shade tree increased a homeowner’s property value by an average $7,130, not to mention the additional value realized by neighbors — $12,828 altogether. Street trees in Portland added $8,870, on average, to a house’s sale price.

Affordable Housing, The BeltLine, and Inman ParkBy Regina Brewer

In 1999, a planning group Inman Park met to create a long- term vision for our residents. A survey was sent out and answered by well over half the neighborhood (quite a feat in those days). We wanted to live here as long as we could, protect our historic buildings, require reasonable, quality designed mixed- use development, and ensure that Inman Park remained affordable. Those goals were codified in the Inman Park local historic district regulations.

At the August IPNA meeting, we discussed the new development at 670 DeKalb Ave that straddles O4W and Inman Park with the Beltline Trail (and future transit) running through it. It is a critical juncture and must be designed and implemented so that it can safely go under the Hulsey Yard (CSX railroads loading and distribution facility) and come out onto Wylie Street. Concern was expressed over the lay out of the transit/trail and that the proposed development might prevent the future implementation of the transit. In regard to the development’s proposed mix of uses, quality of design, and requested height variance, the neighborhood expressed its support and noted that if the transit issues were addressed, the development had the neighborhood’s full support.

At the September meeting Atlanta Beltline Inc CEO Paul Morris and his engineers gave a very thorough presentation and we now know 1) Inman Park can and should express its preference for the ABI straight trail/transit corridor configuration 2) CSX has sovereign immunity and they have to agree to anything that crosses under or over their yard 3) The development as it is currently laid out, with our preferred path/transit configuration, can absolutely allow for future transit to be built. One issue remains. ABI and their engineers have confirmed that the proposed trail/transit tunnel width of 80 feet with the preferred straight configuration can meet all the goals. Ryan Gravel has stated that the trail/transit width should be 105 feet to allow for unforeseen circumstances and have less impact on the outdoor spaces adjacent to the development. It comes down to 25 feet.

The “Elegant” Beltline Solution and Dekalb 670-690

During the presentations on September 21, 2016 at the Trolley Barn, the only thing which became clear was that the issues under discussion reside on three different levels. Those levels need to be separated and understood in order to make informed decisions and votes. Look at the Site Plan.

Level One

Two options for the Streetcar/Light rail solution will be presented to the Federal Government to get major funding and have already been selected.

Option A: the Streetcar/Light rail will run in its own right of way which is principally next to and part of the Beltline pathway and go straight South, underneath Dekalb and the Yard.

Inman Park United Methodist Church is excited to host its very first Merry Artists Market!

We will be featuring local artists with an assortment of crafts, jewelry, ceramics, and edible treats that will be perfect for Christmas gifts. We will have a kid zone so kids can stay busy creating fun Christmas crafts while the parents can relax and shop at the market.

Inman Park neighbors are invited to a workshop to help design our Lifelong Inman Park Plan.

The workshop will be conducted by TSW Planners and the Lifelong Inman Park committee. Councilman Kwanza Hall, with support from IPNA, engaged TSW to develop an action plan to make Lifelong Inman Park a reality.

This event moves Inman Park toward realizing the lifelong community we all desire, a community where neighbors all ages can continue to enjoy active, healthy and productive lives. Your participation is important for our success.

Boost Your Business and Mary Lin’s Rockets!Supporting the Mary Lin School Partner Program

Do you own a small business that could benefit from increased exposure to the residents of Inman Park and our surrounding neighborhoods? Do you also believe an excellent public school is KEY to a thriving community? If so, the Mary Lin School Partner Program is a WIN-WIN for your business!

Mary Lin Elementary is a public elementary school serving the Inman Park, Candler Park, Little 5 Points and Lake Claire neighborhoods. We have 475+ families with nearly 650 students and 70 staff members. Becoming a school partner gives your business year-round exposure to a large and diverse community that has a great record of supporting local businesses.

The Mary Lin Education Foundation (MLEF) is collaborating with the Mary Lin PTA on the Partner Program so that we make only one ask annually of our local businesses. Both the PTA and the MLEF benefit from this important source of funding (a 50/50 split), and 100% of the funds raised go toward our shared goal to ignite every Mary Lin student’s imagination and intellect to its fullest potential.

Incredible things are happening in the schools that are part of the Grady Cluster. Inman Park children attend Mary Lin ES, Samuel Inman Middle, and Grady High and more than ever, these schools are offering outstanding education opportunities both inside and outside the classrooms. These programs often require community support and the education committee hopes that IPNA will agree with the funding requests we have made for fiscal year 2016-17. Our schools are one of the best reasons to live in Inman Park and the school's continued success means the success of all the children.

At Mary Lin, the new addition and renovation completed last year relieved the overcrowding and gave the students and teachers some much needed space. The front of the school (where the teachers and staff manage the car pool line) is in full sun so the school would like to install sail shades (much like those over the baby pool) to bring some welcome relief. Additionally, the original outdoor classroom created many years ago was lost when the school footprint was expanded. There are plans for a new outdoor classroom to foster interest in the environment and the school would be very grateful for funding to help with this.

Inman Middle School, through Dr. Betsy Bockman’s award winning leadership and the teacher’s hard work, the school is considered one of the best middle schools in the state of Georgia. Offering a diverse array of connection classes including language, music, art, and JROTC, the school works hard to create an academic and culturally rich student body. The science program is one of Inman’s best-kept secrets. Each year the 7th grade students go on a field trip to understand the ecology in our ocean and rivers. In past years, the students went to Cumberland Island but the education cabins and classroom is being renovated so they now go to the Coosa River School of Science. It’s an extraordinary trip and Inman leaves no child behind so funds to support those students who cannot afford the $200 are desperately needed.

Recognition of our US Congressman & former City Council member John Lewis.

Recognition of our 5th District Congressman, the Honorable John Lewis on August 7, 2016 at the 25th Anniversary of the signing of the Settlement Agreement in Dellwood Park, one of the Olmsted Parks saved from destruction by the Presidential ParkwayPresented by long-time friend and former Inman Park neighbor, Ruth Wall:

“With Gratitude & Great Respect, we salute you for your tireless contribution to the protection of our Historic Intown Neighborhoods that were threatened for 10+ years by a Major Highway.

Recognition of our US Congressman & former City Council member John Lewis.

Recognition of our 5th District Congressman, the Honorable John Lewis on August 7, 2016 at the 25th Anniversary of the signing of the Settlement Agreement in Dellwood Park, one of the Olmsted Parks saved from destruction by the Presidential ParkwayPresented by long-time friend and former Inman Park neighbor, Ruth Wall:

“With Gratitude & Great Respect, we salute you for your tireless contribution to the protection of our Historic Intown Neighborhoods that were threatened for 10+ years by a Major Highway.

Design & Public Safetyin Inman Park

Dear Inman Park Neighbors: My name is Laura Dedenbach. I am a doctoral candidate in the College of Design, Construction, and Planning at the University of Florida. While I am a Gator, I grew up in Sandy Springs. My interest in the Inman Park neighborhood was sparked in March 2011, when I ran the Georgia Half Marathon.

My dissertation research involves a study of design and public safety in Inman Park. When beginning my research, I met and spoke with your neighbors, Dennis Mobley, Rick Bizot, and Jonathan Miller, about my research and the importance of your neighborhood. I am grateful for their guidance and support.

Does recycling matter?

Can’t we just throw everything away and be done with everything? The answer is yes and yes - but that second one’s not a great idea. Recycling does more good than you may realize. The CHARM center, just a few blocks from the Atlanta Zoo, knows this well.

CHARM stands for Center for HArd to Recycle Materials. They are our local partner to the City of Atlanta recycling program but they go a step farther. Where the City accepts newspaper, cardboard, aluminum, plastic, glass, and steel, CHARM takes those and more. Why? Because Peggy Whitlow Ratcliffe realized our City’s citizens could do more. She’s opened an incredible facility that serves us all and makes our Paint, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, styrofoam, carpeting, televisions, mattresses, tires, light bulbs, batteries,electronics, and textiles were being thrown away in huge numbers.

Why does this matter? Because these are not healthy items that biodegrade. You know what they do? They leach various chemicals and elements into our groundwater that can be harmful.

NEIGHBORS' STROLL- JULY 23rd- 8:00 a.m. - POPLAR CIRCLE

Last month over 50 neighbors turned out for the inaugural Walkable Inman Park Neighbors' Stroll. Young and old, moms and dads, kids and dogs enjoyed a brisk 40-minute walk. This newest Inman Park event is a terrific way to catch up with friends and meet new folks all while pumping your legs and promoting good health.

Join us for this month's Stroll Saturday July 23rd, 8:00 a.m., starting in Poplar Circle. Stroll leaders Ro and Cristy will set a vigorous pace as we explore a new set of neighborhood streets. Meet neighbors and perhaps make discoveries along the way. Enjoy coffee, carbs, and conversation after the Stroll.

Don't forget to wear your Walkable Inman Park T-shirt. If you haven't yet purchased a shirt, a limited number will be available at the Stroll for $20. All monies help fund the Inman Park Sidewalk Subsidy program dedicated to improving neighborhood walkability.

Inman Park Traffic Update

You may have noticed some work being done recently at the corner of Lake/Austin and Elizabeth. If you are like me, you were probably reminiscing about the rogue crosswalk, observing the new ADA curb cut, and wondering what the heck is going on. We have good news on this and other traffic improvements.

The city has agreed to install a scramble light at the corner of Lake/Austin and Elizabeth. This means all lights will turn red when a pedestrian presses a button and we can cross in any direction we choose—yes, even diagonally. They have started this work and we are all eager to see this come to completion.

We should be seeing pedestrian crossings at both entrances to Inman Quarter and Inman Park Village Parkway at North Highland. These crossings will include beacons.

We have been working on getting a completed study for the intersection at Irwin Street and Krog Street. Good news is that the latest study supports installing an all way stop. This will greatly improve pedestrian safety.

We don’t have any confirmation on when these projects will be funded or started. We will continue to keep everyone in the loop as things get moving.

Inman Park, A New Atlanta History Center Exhibit

On July 2nd the Atlanta History Center will open a new exhibit entitled Gatheround: Stories of Atlanta. Inman Park is one of the communities featured. Highlights from the Inman Park installation include stories from the neighborhood’s revitalization beginning in the late-1960s, origins of the Inman Park festival and the ‘Road Fight’. “Prominent artifacts include the recently retired 9 foot long festival parade butterfly wings (gifted to the AHC by the Parade Committee), Road Fight t-shirts, “Stop the Road” sign, video footage of protests, and a slideshow of images of the trolley barn throughout the years “ said Jesse Garbowski, AHC’s Neighborhood Exhibition Project Manager.

Inman Park resident Bill Goodman donated the audiovisual work and almost all images and artifacts have come from former and current Inman Park residents as well as the neighborhood association’s archives. Content for the exhibit was developed with help from members of IPNA in collaboration with Garbowski. Garbowski emphasized the importance of neighborhood involvement in telling the Inman Park story for the exhibit.

When asked about the significance of the exhibit past president Dennis Mobley said: “Since moving to Inman Park in the late 1990s, Faye and I were steeped in the tales of the Road Busters, and have since called them Inman Park’s “Greatest Generation”. It’s one thing to read the Settlement Agreement and hear anecdotes about the Road Fight, but thanks to the Atlanta History Center exhibit on Inman Park, to see TV news footage of the civil disobedience, the neighbors in trees or with arms locked, chanting “We have a right to be here…….” was incredibly moving. My admiration for those who fought and won the good fight has grown immeasurably as a result of this vignette. I heartily recommend all Inman Parkers come see this exhibit!”